The biblical downpour that November afternoon left countless folk drenched to the bone in the grocery store car park as they gamely fastened their new purchases to the roofs of their vehicles.

Such is the life of the festive homeowner in Bermuda: nothing comes between us and our Christmas trees.

If there’s a delay shipping them to the island, we start to panic. If there’s a two-hour line to collect them on a Friday night, we happily join the end of it. And if there’s torrential rain when it’s our turn to get served, we get wet.

All of this means one thing – allowing your new tree to lose all its needles or go brown halfway through December is not an option.

Here are our top tips for keeping your Christmas tree in tip-top condition:

• Choose your tree wisely

Trees cling on to their needles for longer when they’re hydrated. When you arrive at the store, lift your chosen tree by the trunk – if it’s heavy, that means it is retaining water and therefore hydrated. You also want the needles to be flexible so they will bend rather than snap off. Tell-tale signs to avoid are drooping branches or any brownness.

• Trim the bottom

Cut an inch from the stump of your tree. This is a time-honoured trick, of course, for people who accidentally bought a tree that was too big for their living room – but it also serves another purpose. After the tree is removed from its plantation, its pores gradually seal up, which prevents it from absorbing water. So, cut off that inch and immediately put the tree in a bucket of water so that it can soak up as much water as possible.

• Use a Christmas tree stand

The trunk is not wide enough to support the tree on its own, so needs the stand to keep it steady. It can hold a reservoir of water to keep it fresh.

• Decorate it carefully

Allow the branches to settle for a few hours before you start decorating. An overload of ornaments won’t do your branches much good – but if you’re one of those people who loves to go big, you can get away after with it by putting the heavier items on first, near the trunk. Try to avoid putting too much weight on the tips of the branches.

• Water it regularly

Ensure your tree’s container is always full of water. A healthy tree can consume a litre of water a day. (Note: if your tree is not absorbing much water, it’s probably not healthy – sorry!) You may have heard of people feeding people Sprite to their Christmas trees so that it can drink in the sugary lemony goodness. Unfortunately, this does more harm than good: sweet drinks encourage bacteria to grow and clog the tree’s pores.

• Keep it cool

A Christmas tree next to the roaring fire makes a beautiful scene on a festive card – but in real life, heat causes trees to dry out which makes their needles drop off.

• Use scent spray sparingly

Scent sprays designed for artificial trees can contain chemicals which are harmful for real trees. But if you really must, make a spray of your own with drops of pine, fir, cinnamon bark or essential oils.

• Buy an artificial tree

If it’s all too much effort, just head to Hamilton and get a fake tree. It won’t be as much fun, but at least you won’t get soaked in the grocery store car park.

Sources for this article include Royal Horticultural Society, Michigan State University and the National Christmas Tree Association.

The post Look after your Christmas tree appeared first on RG Magazines.

The signs appear gradually: familiar carols returning to the radio, shop windows filling with displays, and that unmistakable scent of fresh pine. If you’re not already working through a list, these become cues to get organised: plan your wardrobe for evenings out, book the hair appointment, nails and facial, and above all else, make sure you’ve ordered the cassava, the turkey, the pudding and all the little things that make the holiday unmistakably Bermudian.

And then there’s the matter of decorating, another essential. Because ornaments break, lightbulbs burn out and pieces go missing, at some point in December almost everyone ends up trekking around Hamilton in search of replacements. Master’s, Gorham’s, ESC, Hamma Galleries, Gibbons Company and the Phoenix Stores are well-known stops for what can become an annual hunt.

But no matter where you stand on your to-do list, it’s impossible not to be swept up in the spirit of the season. Before long, you’ll find yourself standing in a long line outside a grocery store or garden centre waiting for a tree while mentally calculating who you’ve bought gifts for and what you still need to track down.

Our Christmas homes

The holiday pop-up markets begin to stir in November but it’s the National Trust’s Annual Christmas Walkabout that truly marks the start of the countdown to Santa’s big sleigh ride. The Old Town transforms on the first Friday of December each year. Historic homes open their doors, musicians set up in the Square, and the streets glow under strings of lights. For many families, making the trip east is a tradition — an occasion to catch up with friends, sample treats and take in the architecture. The homes themselves do half the storytelling: cedar beams, polished floors and Christmas decorations arranged just so, with people drifting through the rooms, eggnog in hand.

Long before scheduled festivities, it was customary to take an evening drive through neighbourhoods to admire houses decked out with colourful or white lights.

Today, that tradition continues. Some families coordinate their displays down to the smallest detail, others embrace a more spontaneous “the more, the better” approach.

Inside the homes, the tradition runs just as deep. Families pull out boxes of decorations stored away all year — handmade ornaments from school days, strings of lights that have survived more than a few seasons, and the tree-topper that’s been passed down for generations. Children get involved too, hanging their own creations and deciding where everything should go, turning the whole process into an event in its own right.

The season also gives Hamilton a makeover: palm trees are wrapped in twinkling fairy lights, and storefronts compete to outdo one another with elaborate displays. With all that in mind, it’s easy to see why Christmas in Bermuda is less about checking off endless shopping lists and more about preparing homes for visitors — both the expected and the spontaneous. December brings a steady flow of friends dropping in for a quick drink, relatives arriving unannounced, and neighbours stopping by with treats or small gifts. The house, in many ways, becomes the centre of the season.

Our Christmas kitchens

Another important gathering happens in the kitchen ahead of Christmas Day. Counters fill with ingredients, pans, and spice jars as people get to work making cassava pie, fruit and plain cake. Every family has its own fiercely defended method for preparing cassava: whether to use chicken, pork or both; which spices are essential; how sweet is too sweet; and whether the top should be smooth or textured. Preparing it is an hours-long process that ties generations together.

Sometimes the old recipe cards come out — the ones creased and stained from decades of use. Sometimes parents guide children through the same steps their parents once taught them, passing on the kind of knowledge that lives in memory more than measurement. It’s all served on Christmas Day, which itself follows a rhythm that feels uniquely Bermudian. Once kids have opened presents from Santa, many families trek to Elbow Beach where hundreds of people gather in Santa hats and sunglasses – some in swimsuits – with champagne flutes in hand.

Mid-afternoon it’s time for Christmas dinner. Kitchens fill with the familiar scents of peas and rice, sweet potato, macaroni and cheese, turkey, ham and stuffing. Cassava pie takes pride of place beside everything else. Families settle in for the big meal, often followed by a gift exchange.

Our Christmas sounds

Live music threads its way through the entire season. School choirs rehearse for weeks, church choirs prepare special services, musicians of every kind take the stage at holiday markets and concerts, and the Gombeys seemingly gather the entire island around them on December 26.

At home, the soundtrack is just as familiar — “Silent Night,” “White Christmas,” and more modern favourites like “Santa Tell Me” and “Fairytale of New York” play through Apple Music, Spotify and even the occasional record player.

It’s also a day for another well-loved tradition: driving around the island to visit family and friends you might see only on this occasion every year. People hop from one house to another, welcomed everywhere with food, drinks, and another round of conversation.

In the end, Christmas in Bermuda is rooted in the same touchstones every year: the Walkabout in the Old Town, the music that fills every corner, the cassava made from recipes older than most of the cooks using them, and the steady run of visits that carry on through Boxing Day – small rituals that make the season recognisably Bermudian both across the island and in your own home.

The post Bermuda homes at Christmas appeared first on RG Magazines.

Nowhere is that truer than in the kitchen – the natural gathering place of any family.

While this once might have meant spending hours fashioning ornate garlands from local greenery adorned with fruits and berries, the hectic pace of modern life leaves many of us craving a simpler solution.

Good news! You can still capture that nostalgic spirit – with ease – thanks to locally inspired, practical and whimsical holiday décor from The Island Shop on Queen Street, Hamilton.

Founded and owned by artist and long-time island resident Barbara Finsness, the shop features beautifully crafted pieces adorned with an array of iconic Bermuda motifs including everything from butteries and cottages to palm fronds and mopeds: bringing a touch of island magic to every kitchen.

Get that holiday feeling

“In Bermuda, we don’t need cold weather to feel festive,” said The Island Shop’s assistant manager Brianna McCann.

“The kitchen is where everyone naturally gathers. It’s the heart of the home. Adding a few cheerful touches there instantly spreads the holiday spirit, because it’s where we cook, laugh and connect.

“Your kitchen is such an easy place to add a few seasonal accents that are both colourful and practical. Things like a scented candle, a new holiday tea towel or a few sprigs of greenery from your own garden can make everyday moments feel special without feeling too overdone.”

Don’t have a garden? Not to worry, you can easily find fresh herbs like rosemary or mint at the grocery store or plant nursery to keep in a small vase near the sink.

Ms McCann said: “It’s a simple and practical way to bring the season to life through scent, even in our warm Bermuda weather.”

For a more Pinterest-worthy effect, The Island Shop stocks an extensive selection of Bermuda-themed Christmas hostessware, including everything from stemware, mugs and plates to serving platters, coasters, cutting boards and potholders that can be paired with complementary table runners, napkins and napkin rings.

“A little colour goes a long way, especially in smaller spaces, such as a breakfast nook,” Ms McCann said. “Just add a couple of Christmas throw pillows and light a Fraser fir scented candle or hang a festive towel on your oven door and voila!

“Even leaving a holiday serving platter on the center of the kitchen table adorned with a selection of colourful apples and citrus fruit will generate those cozy Christmas vibes by instantly making the room seem warm and inviting and ready for the season.”

Celebrate sustainably

And the best part? All of Barbara Finsness’s timeless holiday motifs appear on beautifully made china, glassware and soft furnishings that coordinate effortlessly and are designed to last for years.

One of the joys of the season is checking out the new holiday designs that artist Barbara Finsness releases each year, allowing you to gradually build a unique collection of functional, seasonally inspired treasures that will bring holiday cheer to your home again and again.

“Our ceramics, table linens and Bermuda Christmas stockings are perfect examples,” Ms McCann said.

“Each one carries a touch of Bermuda’s beauty – from coral reefs to cottages – so when you bring them out each December, it feels like welcoming back old friends. They’re keepsakes that tell a story, and that’s what makes decorating so meaningful.”

For more island inspiration visit the store on Queen Street in Hamilton or shop online at www.islandexports.com

The post Holiday cheer begins in the kitchen appeared first on RG Magazines.

Exclusive Flowers’ floral business development specialist, Nicola Costain, shared her advice for creating arrangements and bouquets that don’t just stand out and sparkle, but also last all Christmas long.

Her first piece of advice is to pick two or three main colours.

“Don’t go too crazy with too many colours,” she suggested. “What accent have you got in your house? Have you got gold? Are you using silver this year? Perhaps bringing in that accent tone to match the cutlery, for instance. Colour is lovely, but don’t go too over the top.”

In addition to traditional poinsettias, popular flowers for this time of year include hydrangeas, roses, lisianthus, hypericum berries and amaryllis.

“Amaryllis is a really gorgeous flower, which opens up, very long lasting and they do really well in the heat here,” she said. 

Amaryllis also come in a variety of traditional colours including red, dark pink and white. “White goes beautifully with eucalyptus and sparkly picks like silvers and whites for more of a clean, Nordic theme,” she said.

Those who love unique roses, or have a specific colour theme in mind, might enjoy the dyed roses with sparkle that are available around Christmas time: “They put a dye in the soil and then it soaks it up into the head,” she explained. 

These roses come in many colours, but the most popular are pink.

“We like to bring in the pinks with the Bermuda pink sand,” she said, adding that she enjoys doing Christmas arrangements inspired by her surroundings.

“It’s nice to be inspired by Bermuda and our island. The pinks, and the blues, and teal colours. Shells are also nice to bring in.”

For more traditional flower arrangements and wreaths, baubles, dried fruits, pine cones, sparkly twigs and cinnamon sticks give extra vibrance. Ms Costain also likes to incorporate local greenery into her arrangements.

In addition to real flowers, she recommended trying faux florals not just because they can be reused, but also because the quality is so high, you don’t release they are faux until you are touching them. These are particularly popular for livening up the tree.

“Beautiful, large magnolia picks, poinsettia picks. It’s a new trend where people are putting flower picks into the Christmas trees to not only fill them out but it gives a beautiful abundance of these large, focal floral heads,” she said.

Make them last

The best time to buy real flowers is five days before Christmas and it is crucial to keep them moist. For vase flowers, stems should be cut at a 45 degree angle, and clean of any leaves in the water. Keep the vase topped up with fresh water, and for maximum longevity, empty it out on occasion and bleach the vase.

“Add a tiny bit of household bleach in your vase. Not even a teaspoon,” she said. “It just kills any bacteria that any of the flowers may produce. Then pour it out and add clean water.”

Fresh flowers should also be kept out of direct sunlight and, if the arrangement is in a foam oasis, don’t let it dry out. Wreaths should be regularly spritzed. 

To learn how to create your own festive floral arrangements, the Flower Bar offers workshops at their 7 Reid Street location. For more information visit eebermuda.com. 

The post Festive flowers appeared first on RG Magazines.

Wherever you fall on that spectrum, we all share one goal: a holiday season that feels festive, not frantic.

That starts with smart, stress-free shopping choices – so we asked our friends at The Phoenix Stores for some thoughtful strategies to make your holiday season merry and bright.

No-fuss holiday decorating ideas

If you want to bring warmth and holiday cheer into your home without spending a lot of time or effort, starting with a few small touches can make a big impact. Adding festive candles, pre-lit garlands, a few statement ornaments or versatile tabletop décor is all it takes to transform any space. The good news is that you can collect all these things at The Phoenix Stores – cutting down your need to zip around Hamilton to visit a half-a-dozen different shops.

When you really want to deck the halls

Phoenix suggests going bold with coordinated décor – wreaths, garlands, decorative stockings, themed ornaments and layered lighting. Choose a colour palette and build around it. Add seasonal candles, centrepieces, table runners and playful accents throughout the home. Phoenix First offers a wide range of décor options to create a fully immersive holiday atmosphere without breaking the bank.

Take the stress out of party planning

Tired of visiting numerous stores to get everything you need before you host an event? One trip to The Phoenix Stores can save you the stress.

Table décor, glassware, balloons, games, candles, snacks, confectionery and thoughtful hosting gifts are all in one place at the Reid Street store.

You can also pick up those easy-to-forget items like batteries, serving utensils and gift wrap during the same trip.

The goal is to make holiday shopping as seamless and enjoyable as possible by paying close attention to variety and convenience.

Minimise holiday stress

The Phoenix Stores’ advice is to plan early, shop smarter and keep it simple. Start making your lists ahead of time, take advantage of extended hours and pre-holiday promotions, and rely on knowledgeable staff members to help narrow down choices. Small steps, such as pre-wrapping gifts, picking up hosting essentials in advance, or choosing ready-made gifting options, can save a tremendous amount of time and headache – and leave you more time for those special moments at home.

Self-care suggestions to recover from the holiday rush

Amid the pre-Christmas scramble, taking a few moments for yourself can go a long way in restoring balance and helping you enjoy the festive season. Be sure to treat yourself to a new skincare product, a relaxing Badedas bath soak, a calming candle or even a cosy blanket – all available at Phoenix.

Remember, the holidays aren’t about getting everything right: they’re about sharing time with the people who matter most and making memories. That’s what The Phoenix Stores is all about: making holiday shopping stress-free and efficient, so you have more time for the things that truly matter.

With everything you need in one place — from décor and gifts to wellness, hosting essentials and easy grab-and-go ideas — Phoenix First is your one-stop shop for simplifying the season and making space for joy. Because when the list is taken care of, the moments can take centre stage.

RG Home’s top tips for stress-free Christmas decorating

• Pick your spot

You don’t have to decorate every room in the house. Choose one area and just go for it – whether that’s the room you personally spend most time in, maybe the kitchen, or the focal point of the house, like the living room or dining room.

• Light it up

It only takes a few minutes to hang fairy lights around your living room, yet they can turn the place Christmassy at the flick of a button. If you don’t have time to do the whole room: focus on door frames, mantelpieces or bookshelves.

• Go green

A sprinkle of holly here, a dash of pine branches there, a few sprigs in a few vases. You’ll have your home feeling fresh and festive in no time.

• Stop fretting about the tree

Why worry whether the Christmas tree is going to stay green, or shed all its needles after the first few days of December? An artificial tree never grows old. You can also cut down on the stress of fetching the ornament box from the shed by buying one that’s pre-decorated. And if you’re anxious about where it’s going to fit – just buy a small one to sit on your dining room table.

• Show your cards

Some people proudly and painstakingly hang all their Christmas cards on numerous walls throughout their house – a tradition dating back to the days before most of us switched to e-cards and Santa memes cut and pasted into WhatsApp group chats. If you’re lucky enough to still receive Christmas cards, a quick and easy way to show them off is to put them in a basket on the mantelpiece or shelf.

• Stagger your decorating over time

Setting aside a whole Saturday afternoon for Christmas decorating can mean you end up dreading the approaching weekend. You don’t have to do it all in one go. A few minutes here and there – taking care of one job at a time – will be enough to get the job done.

• Get your friends to help

Even if it’s not their house, if you ply your loved ones with enough eggnog and mulled wine, you’ll be surprised how willing they are to lend a hand. Turn your decorating session into a party where everyone has fun – and your chief task is to serve the gingerbread men!

The post Stress-free decorating appeared first on RG Magazines.

Decorating is a big part of the season’s celebrations and whether your taste leans traditional, modern, or somewhere in between, it’s an opportunity to express your personal style, and create a festive, welcoming atmosphere at the same time.

Jennifer Dearing understands that many people will have questions about how to bring this year’s Christmas trends to life in their own homes.

The senior interior designer at Hamma Galleries says a “classic and nostalgic Christmas” has enduring appeal and, unsurprisingly, is one of the strongest themes this year.

“It never goes out of style,” she said.

Traditional reds, greens, and golds form the foundation, with plaid and tartan adding warmth and a touch of cosiness. Retro multicoloured lights, which were popular last year, remain a top choice for adding cheerful charm.

Hamma can help curate the look. Its in-store collection includes vintage Santas, blown glass ornaments, and wooden nutcrackers, all of which “fit beautifully” into the “classic and nostalgic style”.

If that doesn’t grab your interest, there are bolder forms and colours to explore this season. These more expressive, statement-making accents are taking centre stage, and Ms Dearing is a fan of the drama they bring.

“We’re also loving the fun trend of stripes and oversized bows – bigger is definitely better!” she said.

Pick your colours

Tones such as navy, burgundy and black — colours the interior designer describes as “deep and moody” — are also making an unexpected appearance, adding richness and elegance to trees and décor.

For those who prefer something softer and more refined, natural and elegant themes are equally popular. Items in “soft creams, warm pumpkin tones and lovely sage greens in plush velvet” are especially appealing to people aiming for “a polished look”.

Dried fruits and burnished or antiqued metals make beautiful finishing touches that create a warm and inviting holiday atmosphere, Ms Dearing added.

Balancing festive décor with everyday style can feel daunting, but she believes it can be done gracefully.

“Sprinkle your Christmas décor evenly throughout the house,” she advises.

That means thinking beyond the tree — adding garlands over fireplaces and archways, introducing Christmas pillows or throws, and creating simple tablescapes to tie a room together.

She suggests mixing year-round pieces with holiday-specific ones.

“Everyday silver, gold or glass candlesticks mixed with greenery, bobbles or pine cones and bows can make a beautiful tablescape,” Ms Dearing said.

Go big or go small

The opposite of minimalist design is ‘Kitschmas’, a decorating style characterised by clashing colours and eclectic motifs. Although it might sound brash, the designer says it is possible to pull it off tastefully.

“To maintain a sense of tasteful harmony, consider focusing on a cohesive theme or a well-defined colour palette. This approach will allow you to embrace the Kitschmas trend while maintaining a visually appealing space,” she said.

Minimalists, meanwhile, can enjoy a quieter holiday aesthetic that still feels festive.

“A soft neutral palette is key,” said Ms Dearing, who suggested white, cream, natural wood, soft reds, pinks or blues as colours that would work.

Natural tabletop trees, nutcrackers or candles would all work well for simple arrangements, she added. Natural wood tones add warmth without “compromising the minimalist style”, and while warm metals like brass can be beautiful, she said that “it’s important to choose clean, modern shapes”.

Certain colours, textures, and finishes are especially on-trend this season. Ms Dearing highlights “burgundy, cream, teal, and forest green velvets; burnished and antiqued metal finishes; and antiqued glass” as key materials showing up across ornaments, accent pieces, and holiday décor.

To make a living room feel instantly more festive, she recommends thoughtful layering.

“Consider using decorated fir garlands, candles in various sizes, festive throw pillows and cozy blankets,” she said. “To appeal to all the senses, incorporate scented candles, cozy knit throws – and play festive music!”

Don’t break the bank

For those decorating on a budget, you don’t need a complete overhaul. A few thoughtful updates can make your home feel beautifully festive while keeping cherished traditions intact.

“An easy way to elevate your existing decorations is to swap out some of the ornaments and bows on your existing garlands or wreaths,” Ms Dearing said.

And you probably won’t have to buy a whole load of new decorations to keep up with next year’s trend – because those colours we associate with a traditional Christmas will continue to shine.

“The classic and nostalgic colours always stand out,” she said. “While there may be some variations in the colour palette, the overall combinations remain true to tradition.

“Think of beautiful greens ranging from soft sage to rich hunter green and spruce, along with stunning reds like burgundy. Shiny metallics in silver and gold add a festive touch as well.

“Additionally, cozy neutrals such as warm cream, bright white and natural wood elements contribute to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s all about fostering that festive vibe.”

Sustainability is another influence shaping how people decorate. Ms Dearing has noticed that customers are gravitating towards natural materials such as wood, dried fruits, and pine cones. But the most sustainable practice, she said, is simple: “There is nothing more sustainable than reusing your decorations year after year and adding a little each year to complement and update the look further.”

Her one piece of advice for creating a truly special festive living room? “Make it personal.”

“Christmas is all about family and togetherness, and your decorations should celebrate that spirit,” she said.

“Focus on the areas where everyone gathers, like the kitchen island, fireplace mantel, dining table and entry door. As you collect special items over the years, they’ll remind you of those wonderful Christmas moments you’ve shared with loved ones. Happy decorating!”

The post Create your perfect seasonal vibe appeared first on RG Magazines.

For some in Bermuda, that means celebrating the festive season in a very public way by turning their home into a winter wonderland with bright lights, inflatable figures and lighted Christmas ornaments to delight children and have passers-by honking their approval.

At Masters Home Centre, Terry Ebbin and Eugenia Burton are the buyers charged with ordering Christmas goods for sale to island consumers.

Ms Ebbin, vice president of retail operations, said: “I have a few customers that come in here, and they just find it a joy when they see people stopping by their home. They even allow them in the yard to see them.

“Because they’re bringing joy to the passers-by, they like that. It’s rewarding to them that people find it exciting, and they see a long line of traffic slowed down and just seeing the items in their yard.”

Among the flashier items for sale at Masters are a variety of inflatables, including a snowman, a traditional Santa Claus, and a semi-tropical Santa hard at work at a barbecue.

Bright lights are a mainstay, too, from trimming the roof line of a home to covering bushes in the yard with net lights.

Ms Ebbin said: “We also have little yard candy canes – yard lights that you put on your pavement, coming up your walkway.

“We have candy canes and other little lighted ornaments that you can put down to draw attention to your yard.

“We also have loads of lights on reels that you can keep up all year round. You just don’t have to have it for Christmas. They are in different size bulbs, whether you want it to be stationary or twinkling.”

Long-time favourites

While some trends come and go, a popular item in Bermuda continues to be a projector light that shines an image onto the wall of a home.

Ms Ebbin said it can be used year-round; just change the slide and a new image is projected.

“Projector lights are still trending, especially in Bermuda. We still have customers constantly asking for them. They are starting to fade out in the United States because when we were looking for vendors to purchase them from, it wasn’t that easy to find. But here, I very much have the customer for that.”

Among other strong sellers are lighted sculptures that sit on the inside of a window but can be seen from the street – and add to the festive spirit.

Figures include a snowman head, reindeer, Santa head, candy cane, stars, Christmas bells and bulbs – and even a nativity scene.

Ms Ebbin said: “That’s still going very strong, that’s a trend. Stars are still the number one seller.”

She added that consumers in Bermuda take a traditional approach to Christmas shopping, buying tried and true favourites, year-over-year.

“They come in and they know exactly what they’re looking for.”

Many of the Christmas items on sale at Masters are featured in a dedicated section just inside the store’s front door on Dundonald Street in Hamilton that Ms Ebbin said includes “almost everything that you would want for Christmas”.

Additional items, including festive tabletop candle holders, napkin rings and tablecloths, are displayed in the shop’s homeworks section.

Ms Ebbin added: “If you don’t see what you want, you can ask.”

Christmas goods are first displayed just after Labour Day, with peak shopping activity taking place in November, said Ms Ebbin, adding that customers use the US Thanksgiving Day holiday as a marker for when they start putting up their tree and decorating.

Items for sale at Christmas are normally ordered by Masters in January at a locked-in price. Some products are ordered directly from manufacturers in China, while other suppliers are based in France, or Canada.

However, some vendors are US-based, resulting in price fluctuations and some products being unavailable this year due to the on-again, off-again tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.

Ms Ebbin said: “Most of our vendors delivered. We had a few items that they wouldn’t bring in because the price went sky high, so we couldn’t bring them in for our customers.

“Vendors were waiting to the last minute to find out, ‘Do they want to pay this? Are they going to get this? Are the tariffs going to go up, or are they going to go down?’”

She added: “I am constantly looking for the best price for my customer. I treat Masters’ dollar like I would my own. I use me as an example. Me as a customer, what do I want to spend?

“I’m constantly on the floor, listening to what customers are asking for. I am constantly looking for something new.”

Better prices to come

In 2026, Ms Ebbin anticipates that some orders will be placed with companies based outside the US. Canada is an attractive proposition due to the absence of tariffs and the weak Canadian dollar.

“What we try to work around is to find companies like in Canada or other places that don’t have to go through the United States so that we can probably get a better price.

“This year, we found a Canadian company that we can get Christmas items from, which I will be ordering from next year.”

Ms Ebbin added: “That’s what we’re looking for, anyone who can ship with avoiding the tariffs, the extra cost, because we want to give our customers the best price. We are constantly looking for the best price.”

The post Light it up! appeared first on RG Magazines.

It’s all about those precious moments when you curl up on a comfortable sofa to watch a movie with the family, or create a cosy corner for enjoying a board game or a good book. 

From soft rugs and Christmas-themed throws to family-sized furniture and even a musical nutcracker, Gibbons Home Store buyer, Natalie Martis shared her festive home favourites.

Festive warmth

Described by Ms Martis as “a super plush fleece”, their collection of velvet throws include something to match any Christmas theme: baubles, nutcrackers, poinsettias, reindeer and even hot chocolate motifs. Particularly on trend, however, is a red plaid with white Christmas tree throw.

“Everywhere I was reading was talking about the Ralph Lauren Christmas and how to create this aesthetic,” she explained, which includes “a lot of jewel tones, a lot of velvet, a lot of Ralph Lauren plaid”.

Add this throw to the back of your sofa and voila, latest trend has been achieved.

These throws are also ideal for beds and even outdoors.

“I have a little firepit outside in my backyard and I use these in the winter just to cosy up,” she said. “I love them. The kids come over, my nieces and nephews, and we all have a throw.”

With the cooler weather, also comes damp, and for this she recommended an electric, heated fleece blanket.

“You plug it in and it takes out the dampness from your bed. It’s queen size and it’s dual control for either side of the bed, so you can have one side warmer than the other.”

For warmth under foot, she shared a selection of rugs so comfortable you want to hug them. The most luxurious of these is a Mongolian sheepskin rug which, in the store, has been displayed around a festively-decorated bed and looks almost like snow.

“These rugs are of a natural shape because they are real Mongolian sheepskin. We’ve had customers put these under trees to make a skirt. I’ve had customers put these on the bed.” 

They are great for bare feet on a cool day, come in grey and white and can actually be hugged because they also have matching Mongolian sheepskin cushions.

Other popular rugs for this time of year include their faux fur Bobble rugs, which come in grey, pink, taupe and white.

“You put them in front of the Christmas tree, bedrooms, they just add that warmth and cosiness that you need in the winter,” Ms Martis said.

Curl up in comfort

For something that can fit the whole family, Ms Martis recommended the Mariner Home trundle sofa.

“It is a three-seater sofa, it has a chaise on one side and then you lift up the chaise and it has storage for your blankets or pillows and then it has on the other two seats a trundle so you can pull out,” she said.

“It is amazingly comfortable. It has very plush pillows in the back.”

It’s available in light brown, silver and sky blue.

To add Christmas spirit to your comfortable seating, there are an array of festive decorative pillows to choose from including some in the shape of Christmas presents, baubles and candy canes.

For additional comfort, try their memory foam bedrests, which are also great as reading pillows.

“It’s a pillow that has memory foam so it has a lot of stability,” she explained. “You can put it on your bed or on the couch. It has arms that come around you so if you’re reading a book, it supports your arms. People use it in bed to watch TV. You put it on the floor if you want a little bit more support, say you’re watching a movie with the family.”

These come in navy, grey, taupe and a pink mauve colour.

Cheerful lighting

With darkness descending earlier at this time of year, lighting is even more important for creating a cosy feel and adding Christmas spirit to any room.

Silver and iridescence are big this year and nothing embraces this more than the large hard plastic iridescent plug-in, remote controlled reindeer with LED lights. The lighting colours can change and they can be set to blink. They also come as Christmas trees, a unicorn and teddy bear. These can be displayed inside and would be particularly at home on a front porch, in a child’s bedroom or by the Christmas tree.

For more subtle Christmas lighting there is a variety of battery operated LED lighting designed to be incorporated into décor or a Christmas tree, including silver iridescent tinsel garlands and string lights.

“You have a battery pack, you hide it under your décor and that can add a little bit of ambience and light into your room without having bright lights,” Ms Martis explained.

There are also some fun, plug in, “star burst” lights, which look great hung up high.

Pops of Christmas spirit

In addition to the tree, fun pops of Christmas décor throughout your home can get the whole family into the Christmas spirit. This could include faux poinsettia wreaths hung on doors or walls, urns with faux green and red foliage and berries, which could brighten up a fireplace or empty corner, or a selection of gold and silver sequin runners and cushions.

To really get both children and adults excited however, Ms Martis demonstrated the aforementioned musical nutcracker.

“A musical nutcracker I would definitely put on either a dining table, on a mantle, even on a console in the entryway, just to really get that festive feel if you’re having people over for dinner, or you’re hosting a party. It would be nice to have that festive feel as soon as you walk into the door.”

The post Cheerful Christmas comforts appeared first on RG Magazines.

Cruising along the back wall of tanks at Pic-A-Pet’s new location on the east side of Queen Street in Hamilton, it’s easy to be captivated by the shimmering allure of aquatic life.

With flamboyant names like albino paradise fish, shortfin green dragon and tiger silver dollar, these underwater beauties are as mesmerising as they are exotic. 

But before the gentle bubbling of the water lulls you into an impulsive purchase, it’s essential to understand the basic needs of these tiny creatures. 

“The main thing to think about before buying an aquarium is what size tank you want, and where it will go in your home,” said store owner Kyle Parkin. 

“It’s important to choose a spot that’s away from direct sunlight, which can cause temperature fluctuations and algae growth.” 

BEGINNER FRIENDLY FISH 

Your first aquarium can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. The key to early success lies in being clear regarding your objectives from the outset. 

“Starting with a fishbowl and a couple of goldfish is a low maintenance and inexpensive way to teach your kids about responsibility,” Mr Parkin said. 

“The bowl does not have a filter so you will need to change the water weekly and it is important to resist the temptation to overfeed your fish. 

“They only require a pinch of food twice a day, or as much as they can eat in five minutes,” he explained. 

A brightly coloured betta fish is often a great choice for beginners. Thanks to their labyrinth organ, which functions like a primitive lung, bettas can gulp air from the surface as well as extract oxygen from the water through their gills. This unique ability allows them to survive in lower-oxygen environments such as fish bowls, making them an excellent low-maintenance option for first-time fishkeepers. 

YOUR FIRST AQUARIUM 

A 10-gallon starter tank is suitable for keeping a variety of small fish, but you need to consider the needs of each individual species of fish when assembling your first fish community. 

“It’s critical to understand whether a species of fish is calm or aggressive when deciding whether to add it to your community,” Mr Parkin said. 

“You also need to think about the part of the world that a fish comes from because different species require different levels of light and water temperature – fish from the Amazon, for example, are used to living in a stream which has darker water so you would need to add a liquid additive to the water.” 

As a rule, your tank water needs to be between 76 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit all times,the time, so your tank will need to be equipped with a heater in winter, and the room will probably need an air conditioner in summer. 

Mr Parkin said: “A starter fish community needs to be a combination of live bearer fish such as guppies or mollies, a catfish which will naturally scavenge food from the bottom of the tank, and an algae eater to help keep the tank clean, such as a flying fox Chinese algae eater.” 

For more experienced fishkeepers, there are also “medium” and “difficult” species that require a higher level of care to remain healthy over the long term. These species often demand more frequent maintenance, such as changing the water every few days, even if the tank is equipped with a filtration system. 

The knowledgeable team at Pic-A-Pet can explain the needs of each individual species for anyone interested in taking their aquarium to the next level. 

AQUARIUM AESTHETICS 

Once you understand the basics, part of the fun of keeping fish is designing the aesthetic environment of your underwater habitat. Pic- A-Pet stocks an extensive selection of aquascaping supplies including plants, rocks, ornaments and substrate to help you create a pleasing underwater landscape. 

CLEANING AND WATER TESTING 

Keeping your fish community healthy has a lot to do with the quality of the environment. As a rule, Bermuda water is generally good for fish tanks, but you may need to adjust the pH level depending on the type of fish that you are keeping. You will also need to test the pH and ammonia levels of the water weekly using a special testing kit. 

“You can also tell quite a bit regarding what is going on with your tank just by looking at the algae that is growing. If the algae build-up is green then the tank is getting too much light, if it is brown then the tank is getting too little light,” Mr Parkin said. 

The substrate, which is the layer containing the rocks or sand at the bottom of the tank, is not just aesthetically appealing – it provides a surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonise, which is crucial for the nitrogen cycle and overall water quality of your tank. 

“We sell a fish starter kit which includes all the essentials for maintaining your aquarium,” he said. 

“As a rule, we recommend that you test the water weekly and vacuum the substrate on a monthly basis. But if this all seems a bit daunting, we also offer a home or office aquarium maintenance service to ensure that your aquarium stays beautiful and stress-free.” 

When it comes to adding something simple to your living space that offers both a calming escape from the pressures of daily life as well as a chance for creative expression, few things compare to an aquarium. 

What often starts as a modest project can quickly become a deeply rewarding hobby that can provide joy and tranquility for years to come. 

The post Fish your wish appeared first on RG Magazines.

To make the whole experience that little bit less stressful, here’s our moving house checklist.

Stock up beforehand

• Start saving cardboard boxes weeks in advance and bear in mind that, however many you’ve managed to collect, it won’t be enough. The kind folks at MarketPlace or Lindo’s always have piles of old boxes to dispose of, but in this case one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Resist the temptation to grab cardboard boxes that have been sitting outside in a winter storm.
• Recycle the bubble wrap that comes with your deliveries. It provides excellent protection for your cups and plates and can also keep the children entertained as you unpack everything at the end of a long day. If you don’t have bubble wrap, old newspapers are better than nothing.
• Marker pens. After a certain amount of time, every cardboard box looks the same – label each one clearly so you don’t end up opening three boxes of pots and pans when all you’re looking for is the Oreo cookies!
• Trash bags. There’s always more garbage than you expect as you clear out those wardrobes and cupboards you haven’t opened in years, from broken kettles to exercise equipment that’s gone rusty to unusual hats you bought in a moment of madness. If you’ve run out of cardboard boxes, trash bags can also double up as containers for clothes. Just make sure you don’t accidentally take them to Tynes Bay.

Notify services

• Call Belco, your internet provider, Bermuda Gas, Bermuda Waterworks and anyone else who provides services or regular deliveries. Make sure you’re all set up at your new place – and that you’re not still paying for services at your old place. The last thing you need after you’re finally got settled is to discover your Goslings wine delivery has been sent to the house you no longer live!
• Your driver’s licence, your bank, insurance company and doctor, as well as anybody who still sends you a paper bill, will also need to know you’ve changed your address.
• Provide the post office with a forwarding address and make doubly sure your mail stays safe by having a friendly word with your friendly Bermuda postman.

Be organised

• As you dismantle your furniture, put screws and bolts in labelled sandwich bags. Keep them safe in the glovebox of the car, along with paperwork, keys and other important personal items.
• Be prepared with extra lightbulbs and batteries of all shapes and sizes. You don’t know when you’re going to suddenly need them in the middle of the night.

Check and check again

• So you think everything is packed into the van? Think again. Did you look in the closet in the kids’ bedrooms? Did you check the washer and dryer? What about the garden shed and the cabinet in the bathroom? A quick sweep through the house, after everyone else has gone, will put your mind at rest.

Keep your helpers happy

• Carrying boxes and sweeping floors is hungry work for the family and friends who’ve given up their time to help you move. You’ll be too busy to cook and your kitchen isn’t ready for action yet – so grab a takeout from your favourite restaurant. It might be a big and expensive order but remember how much you’ve saved thanks to your friends giving up their time!
• Tip the removals team. They’ve earned it!

Sources include Moneysavingexpert.com and reallymoving.com

The post Don’t forget anything! appeared first on RG Magazines.